Dm Shawn - TPk coming in 5....4....3....2....1 Tuesday July 19th, 2016 6:17:09 AM
Murphy decides to check on the giant and free the creature. The behemoth is beat up, but still able bodied. The giant puts a mammoth hand on Muprhys shoulder and squeezes out a thanks. The giant would easily be able to carry the entire party.
Pressi searches around the house, looking for anything but mostly the scroll. As if fate knew what she needed, the scroll is nowhers to be found. As if someone absconed with it.
Her searching yields some more finds.
Scroll
Locked chest
Garderobe -
Leather Cloak
Kitchen -
Spoon
Living Room -
Held by the stuffed Elf and Humans are Adamantine Dagger Short Sword.
Shel worries the giant will work angry, but the creature looks content. A little groggy but appreciative to live without being strapped to a table.
Mookie and Bliss also search around.. finding a book that appears to contain spells.
Kezzem looka for Uthvas.. but the necromancer is long gone.
Xxxxxxxxxxxz
Shouts from outside start up again....
" Get out here halflings....youre under arrest" can be heard over the shouting.
Outside Malcolm Greenbriare sees the townsfolks and guards in an uneven stand still. Some townsfolk are yelling at the guards and some are agreeing.
One female gnoll is jawing very furiously with a guard.
" We are the watchmen of Bright Springs" the guard yells.
"But who watches the watchmen?" The gnoll fires back. " These halflings saved us from that wretched man and him. "
With the last words she points at Hammish.
AC 29 (T 15, FF 25) CMD 24 HP 82/82 Malcolm Greenbriar (David) d20+1=16 ; d20+11=21 ; Tuesday July 19th, 2016 9:31:29 AM
Knowledge engineering 16, beats the DC 15 established earlier to see that the town's walls are in disrepair, A sin to a paladin of Domi. Malcolm had been in town only overnight, staying within the walls in this blighted landscape in order to get a good night's sleep. It had not gone his way. The town's debauchery and escapist attitude had been hard to miss. With his silve tongue and a few drinks he had managed to learn a few things (assuming for ease of use he knows what the party knows as far as the information they gathered). The place was a powder keg. The mayor ruled with an iron fist and kept the town mostly safe. An undisclosed person, a taxidermist, rumored to be a necromancer owned this house in question, and apparently had a great deal of influence over the mayor to summon this kind of response. Mal took this all in. This was really none of his business. He was headed to Humble's Ford to try and help after the Giant Tower collapsed. The War Cathedral had heard about it the same day it happened, a cleric at the nearby Monastery had sent word. If the magic were broken, then the Cresent Valley lay open to giant predation from the Scab. Mal had convinced his elders that THIS was why he had become a paladin. His homeland was in need of a stout heart and a steady sword and he would leave immediately, should they approve. They did. The Monastery in Angel Springs needed defense and he was willing to go, plus the paladin had not been tried beyond the city yet, so this would be a good measure of his ability. He had made great time while riding with a caravan headed that way, less so when he parted company with them to cross the Red Hills instead of skirt them. Stopping for this domestic squabble would delay him, yet he couldn't help but be drawn by the rabble. When the guardsman finishes yelling at the gnoll, he steps up to her and first in giant, then in common asks her if she can enlighten him as to what is happening here. If she says yes he explains why he is traveling and where to ( did Alleah mention where the party was from?) He explains the situation as he sees it, cut and dried the folks in the building have violated the laws of the land and need to pay for their crimes. He then asks why the townsfolk dispute this and seems genuinely to care about the answer, as if trying to figure out a problem. His Elders had often put situations like this to the initiates to see their reactions. Invariably the priests sided with the courageous few who stood against authority and the paladins sided with the established government. This town though... It seemed to live under a cloud darker than the one thrown by the smelting furnaces. The laws seemed overly petty and geared toward making the rich wealthy and the commoner poor. The worship at the temple of Ffloy in town seemed to foster this. Law and uprightness do not seem to be the order of business in this town. Despair, revenge and death, all with an underlying tone of working hard seem to be what the churches around here espouse. Mal asks for a more commoner's point of view from the gnoll. Diplomacy 21
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 d20+8=26 ; d20+8=22 ; Tuesday July 19th, 2016 11:43:05 AM
Pressi takes a stab at opening the locked chest (Disable 26). She gathers whatever is in the chest, along with the stuff that was found earlier, and drops it in the loot pile. (If someone is keeping track of gear, be sure to include this stuff - and the belt of strength that Pressi received earlier.) If needed, she offers her bag of holding to store some of this stuff.
For now, she seems more concerned about whether any of this stuff will help prove their innocence... and trying to figure out what the commotion is outside.
She suggests that perhaps they pretend that Hammish was the one that hired them and given them information. Let him be the hero and maybe he will back down. She finally raises the courage to peek through a window, unlocking it if needed (Disable 22).
Bliss does not see the problem. "We have rescued our friends AND a giant. Let's just walk out and leave. If they want to stop us, they'll be sorry!" He helps pile the loot all together, putting the +2 amulet of natural armor back on, and putting on the leather cloak unless someone else wants to wear it?
Malcolm Greenbriar AC 29 (T 15, FF 25) CMD 24 HP 82/82 Character Sheet (David) d20+5=7 ; d20+2=18 ; d20+5=6 ; Tuesday July 19th, 2016 1:24:15 PM
Changing my header to conform with Woldian policy. While I am at it.... Perception 18 How many guards are outside? Is this Uthvas guy outside? How many townsfolk seem to be 'with' the guards? How many 'against'? What does Hammish's attitude seem to be? Sense Motive 7 ( I think the dice roller actually hates ME, not just my characters) How do the guards seem with this 'storm the building' vibe that it looks like they are being herded towards? Sense Motive 6 (SEE!!?) Malcolm also starts the process of seeing who is evil and who is not as he looks over the crowd. General information is all he is after, unless someone seems to be code red evil*, then they get more concentration.
* Code red evil would be someone that despite a smite evil being thrown Malcolm has serious reservations about beating, and they show up as evil with a capital E when viewed.
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Tuesday July 19th, 2016 2:23:59 PM
Shel agrees with Bliss. "I don't see they have any way to get us in trouble. Put all the magic items in Pressi's Bag of Holding. The giant and Vesssly and Tiana can tell the others what happened, and we were their rescuers. We can't control how Lord Gargul hands out justice. He took the necromancer...not us. We are completely in the right here!"
So Mookie pipes up, "Yeah, well, He took Cam too, of course."
Bliss actually yells at Mookie! "YOU HUSH UP!"
Mookie, surprised, actually does.
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Knit Together, Among the Living d20+22=33 ; Tuesday July 19th, 2016 4:13:08 PM
When Bliss mentions how glad he is to see him, Murphy answers, "Oh, Bliss, you are a nonesuch. That means you are excellent, and unrivaled in your own dear way. It is good to see you, always."
A bit later...
"Uh, Shel, Vesseley and Tiana will not awaken, according to Lord Gargul," Murphy puts in, "until they return to Humble's Ford. Also - do we know for certain that Gargul took Uthvas? That may be the case, but he may have been freed by his homunculus familiar, who has keys to the place."
"Pressi - that may be a good notion you brought up there. Give the mayor a plausable way to save face, if he wants to take advantage of it."
He looks around. "Is everyone more or less healed up? Should we cast any defensive or preparatory spells before we go back to the streets? Would you mind if I spoke up, first, and that we take care what we say?"
He also asks the giant, "What is your name? I am Murphy. This is Shel. And Pressi. Bliss, and his raven friend, Mookie. Alleah. Kezzem. And..." he pauses, thinking of Cameron. "Well, those are our names. Veseley and Tiana here are asleep, and that for a long time to come. You have seen them here before, yes? Did you talk with them?
"We are going to go outside shortly. I may ask you to tell your story, at least a bit of it. Can you tell the people outside what Uthvas did to you, and what he did to others? Can you let people know what an evil man Uthvas is?"
If the giant (what kind of giant, by the way?) agrees, then Murphy says, "Fine. I will let you know when to speak up."
He finds one of the bloody clubs used by those who earlier had beat him to death. "I'm going to carry this big club outside. Then I'll hand it to you. Do you think you can throw it far away, when I ask you to? We want to show the people that you do not mean them harm."
As the group prepares to go outside, Murphy asks if anyone found any of the essence they sought. It may be that which was attached to the giant's arm is all there is, but, considering it took weeks to get here, and that there may have been further processing that Uthvas performed to the extractions before it was ready, he wants to ensure they have that substance. Assuming there is more, then there may be a way to take that which was drained most recently from the giant to help someone restore any of his sapped strength - Murphy does not know how these things work, despite that he has some alchemical training. But, unless someone else has come up with something, he makes one last dash through the dwelling to find any stores of giant essence. He hopes that Uthvas believes in some sort of labeling. Or, maybe his nose can help find it.
"Regarding the things we take from here, Uthvas' own actions render them forfeit, in my estimation. I do not think it would be politic to mention them when we go out. He took a great deal from our friends, from this giant, and from the souls of many others whom he tortured within. Guys, I spoke with the spirits of several people he had tortured and killed. Some of them seethed with hatred for the taxidermist, and wanted nothing but vengeance."
He rests his right hand on his cheek for a moment, looking down in thought. "If we can find any writings of Uthvas which declare any of his crimes in his own hand, that may improve our hand. Alleah, Pressi, Bliss, others - do we have anything like that? It may take too long to find such, though."
"So, will everyone feel ready to leave in, say, two minutes?"
And he asks the giant, "Would you mind if a few of us came out on your shoulders?"
[Perception: 33]
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Knit Together, Among the Living Tuesday July 19th, 2016 4:14:24 PM
Oh, and Murphy pulls out a fine pair of pants for Kezzem, who requested pants. "Put these on, if you'd like."
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 Tuesday July 19th, 2016 9:29:13 PM
Alleah calls back "On what possible charge?"
In her mind, noone outside could possibly know what has happened inside.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste Wednesday July 20th, 2016 11:33:26 AM
"Thank Murph, but I don't think I've got time to change now."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste d20+13=22 ; Wednesday July 20th, 2016 11:58:50 AM
"Look, this is all just a big misunderstanding," says Kezzem. "Apparently Uthvas doesn't like mushrooms very much."
Bluff: 22
Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) d20+31=39 ; d20+17=21 ; Wednesday July 20th, 2016 12:47:04 PM
Bliss has no more spells left for the day. He helps make sure all the loot is stowed away. He is wearing the amulet and the leather cape.
He suggests that the friendly giant just pick up everybody, maybe after everybody sits on that sofa over there. The giant can just pick up the sofa. Then the giant can kick open the door and we'll go out?
Just before the door opens, Bliss reads a scroll of Cat's Grace, applying the magic to himself. So long as he is near shadow, the tiny halfling stays hidden.
Stealth 39, Perception 21.
Dm Shawn - TPk coming in 5....4....3....2....1 Wednesday July 20th, 2016 3:04:25 PM
Malcolm examines the town and gets a good read of the way of life here. He moves to the female gnoll, a little rough to push through the agitated group but manages to get close and ask her what is happening.
" They didssss nothing" the gnoll says. " Your kind. They didsss nothing wrong and made thissss fool( points to Hammish) look sssstupid."
Malcom sees about twenty guards, and one in particular stands about eight feet tall. Hammish looks calm and collected. He is obviously irked but is staying calm and the group looks split down the middle. Uthvas is nowhere to be seen but Malcolm hears people talking about him and his imp just being there. With his power, Malcolm doesnt see anyone evil. Not even Hammish.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Shel feels like the trio of prisoners can vouch for them, but two are comatosed and dont appear to be waking any time soon.
Bliss and Mookie are still upset about Cam being gone. But Bliss keeps Mookie calm.
" Jindrak..." the hill giant answers Murphy. The giant is easy going, and grateful for the release. He agrees to anything The Sword throws at him.(within reason). Searching around Murphy doesnt come across any more essense. Just the original ammount.
" You attacked one of our citizens, and damaged his home." Hammish yells back into the house. " If you come out we will not attack and we can discuss this like civilized folk."
" Mushrooms?" He calls in after Kezzem. " What do mushrooms have to do with this."
Pressi easily opens the chest when she hears an audible click that sends dread through any thieves heart. A trap was sprung... but lucky for her the trap wasn't upkept and the needle is broken off and does nothing. Inside the chest arw gold coins. (15,000gp)
Bliss is getting excited, and tries to take charge!
"Okay everybody! We can do it!"
"Pressi, please put that away safe in a magic bag or something!"
"Everybody, jump on this couch right here!"
"Mister Giant, I mean, Mister Jindrak, please pick up the couch after everybody settles down on it! Then kick open that door and let's go outside!"
Bliss hops on the couch and reads his scroll of Cat's Grace. Mookie hops on too. Once outside, he lets good talkers, like Murphy and Alleah, deal with the police and mayor. But he is not hiding after all, and he has his bah cocked and loaded.
Malcolm Greenbriar AC 29 (T 15, FF 25) CMD 24 HP 82/82 Character Sheet (David) d20+5=7 ; Wednesday July 20th, 2016 4:34:17 PM " My kind?" Malcolm asks, puzzled for a moment. "Oh, you mean Halflings. Did they speak to you? Why would a group of halflings come here of all places?" Malcolm wonders aloud, then a thought seems to strike him and he blushes slightly. " I am so sorry, I never introduced myself. My name is Malcolm Greenbriar. I am traveling from Plateau City to the Crescent Valley to a place called Humble's Ford. I spent my youth there and now it seems there might be trouble, so the church sent me back. What is your name? Do you know the halflings in there at all? Have you any idea why they would be out here in the Red Hills? Many consider this dangerous territory. From what I have heard as rumors, this is the necromancer Uthvas's house, right?" Malcolm tries to puzzle out what is going on. He knew there was a local group, Humble's Sword he thought they were called, that were supposed to e heading up the effort to fix the tower and defend the valley, but why in Domi's name would they travel out here? How many armed groups of halflings could there be though? He must not know something. Something just didn't add up. It looked like the gnoll knew what she was about though. This Hammish, the mayor of the city, looked calm, but his reputation was on display here. Malcolm noted his offer to talk, but was it genuine? Sense Motive 7 yup, every word had to be true.
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 74/60 - (Kim) - To Exit The Chamber d20+22=40 ; Wednesday July 20th, 2016 5:18:11 PM
Murphy says, "Well met, Jindrak."
Then to all, "All right, I think now is the time to go. Any last moment things anyone needs to do? Use the guarderobe? Pressi - any room for that jug in your bag?" he asks, indicating the giant essence, making certain that goes with them.
He takes a last look around the room in which he died. "Spirits in this room, heed the words I spoke with you. There may be opportunity for redemption. Do not let that pass you by. Your happiness rests upon that, and not upon vengeance, even though vengeance be well deserved. Choose the light, follow the Woldsblood."
"If that sounds good to you, Jindrak, go ahead and do as Bliss suggested. Once we are all on the couch, go ahead and open the twin doors, and carry us out."
He nestles Vesseley and Tiana in one corner of the couch, ensuring they are well placed and secure. He himself then straddles the right arm of the couch (right side as determined by the perspective of those sitting on the couch), ready to hop off if need be. Once everyone is ready, the last moments before they go out the door include casting bear's endurance, followed by call lightning.
Murphy shouts so that those inside might hear, "Very well, we are coming out, and have good news. Please stand back from the doors, as they will open swiftly, and we want no one to be hurt. We come with peace and hope for the people of Bright Springs, and her Mayor. We and our giant friend are coming out. He will be kind to you, if you are kind to him." He then says, "All right, Jindrak, carry us out of this foul establishment. We move toward freedom."
Perception: 40 Bear's Endurance time left (as door opens): 67 rounds Call Lightning time left: 68 rounds [please note that Murphy has to invoke a bolt for lightning to strike - he has not yet done so]
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Wednesday July 20th, 2016 7:53:38 PM
Shel considers casting Invisibility, but is afraid this place also has a way to see through the illusion. So; although she felt quite awkward, she too struck a pose on the coach, like an erstwhile saddle oh the giant they had rescued.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Wednesday July 20th, 2016 8:30:28 PM
(OOC: A portable bag of holding I holds 30 cu feet or 250 lbs. I need a reminder for the jar's size and weight.)
Pressi gathers up the 13,000 gp and places all of them in the bag of holding (unless someone has another suggestion) for safe keeping. The remaining 2000 gp she places in a pouch on her belt along with her stars. "For insurance," she explains.
It takes some doing, but she manages to pack up the jug and some of the found items (none of the pointy ones), letting others pack the rest. She would prefer to walk, but gets on the couch with the group's insistence (if there is room and the giant can carry the weight). Out of ki and blending shifts, she doesn't have much prep left. She replaces her tear back with her hat of disguise and slings the bag of holding over her back.
As they move outside the house, Pressi waves to Hammish. "Hambone. Glad you could come to our block party. You were in charge of cups, right?"
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 d100=93 ; Wednesday July 20th, 2016 11:15:52 PM
Alleah hops on the couch. She isn't too happy with the plan, but hey, it was worth a shot. Her main concern is placing Tiana, Vesseley, and now this giant, in harms way.
Once they are outside she casts Enlarge Person on the giant. You know, so it's easier for him to carry the couch. Not so that he can squash people.
--------------------- Readied action: As soon as the giant has put a foot outside, cast Enlarge Person on him. Leyline check: 93 = Freebie, but its a cantrip anyway.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste d20+13=33 ; Thursday July 21st, 2016 12:51:32 PM
"Uthvas said he used to be a mushroom farmer, a successful one. He ruled over a mushroom kingdom, one might say. His neighbors were a pair of brothers who grew plumbs,or plumbers. Unfortunately, they liked the same girl, and the plumbers ate some his special mushrooms that made them as large as that guy," Kezzem points to the giant, "and they beat him up and drove him from his farm. Uthvas fled here, but because there were already plenty of mushroom farmers already, he became a taxizombist instead."
"This is where we came in, as we had some special mushrooms and wanted to get his expert advice, but this triggered some bad memories and he started attacking us! We also found out that he was not a nice guy overall and was torturing these fine folk here in some experiments."
"Say," Kezzem says to the giant, "you didn't get so big eating some of Uthvas's special mushrooms? Was he still experimenting with them?"
OOC
Bluff: 33 (natural 20) :-D
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Thursday July 21st, 2016 1:25:34 PM
Pressi stared at Kezzem. "I don't know which one of us needs to be discouraged more."
Dm Shawn - TPk coming in 5....4....3....2....1 d20+6=13 ; Thursday July 21st, 2016 4:22:47 PM
Before the party makes their grand re-entrance.. there are many books and notes in the labratory that will require time to go through. Some can be grabbed on the way out, but it would take atleast an hour to catalouge and go through.
That being said...
The gnoll looks towards Malcom. " Yeasss.. I spoke with the one female. She was a wisssse one. Their business was with Uthvas.. and they wanted to know about him. "
Bliss gets excited and starts chearing on the group while stearing everyone for the couch. He then casts cat grace on himself.
Murphy aranges the unconscience halflings on the couch after talking to the spirits of the area. He then casts some spells on himself before heading out.
Shel makes her way onto the couch and strikes a pose.
Pressi gathers up the loot and also takes a spot on the couch. She cracks a joke at Hammishs' exspense.
Alleah also takes he spot on the crowded couch. She makes sure to make the giant a little bit bigger. as if the hill giant needed to be any bigger.
Kezzem goes off on a tirade of fibs when something unusual happens...
" Woh.. we dont want no problems with plummers. We dont need that problem here. If you and Uthvas had an issue then you guys can come out and we can discuss it. Just dont get any plummers involved."
As if on cue, the giant steps through the door and grows at a rapid pace. The guards instinctively cock spears, bows and crossbows. The starlted giant is spooked and raised the couch quickly over his head as if ready to throw. The quick motion rocks everyone on the couch. (DC 10 Reflex or fall off).
"Woh... woh... " Hammish calls to his guards. Stand down... only if they attack."
Malcolm Greenbriar AC 29 (T 15, FF 25) CMD 24 HP 82/82 Character Sheet (David) Thursday July 21st, 2016 5:43:56 PM
Malcolm just watches. " I just don't know what to say."
Bliss only fails on a nat 1 ... and rolls a 27. He is hardly jostled.
Mookie, lacking Bliss's grace and his Grace, falls off the couch! But per the Fly Skill rules, he can make a DC 10 Fly check to negate falling damage. Mookie's Fly check is a 21, so he easily flaps back to his perch on the sofa, no harm done, except to his pride maybe. The raven perches imperiously and glares.
"You are the King of the Sofa!" Bliss tells him.
"Well, I'm done with this!" declares Mookie. "The King of the Sofa is completely DONE! I am Sofa K---"
Bliss grabs the bird and holds his beak shut. "Don't go there, old friend," he whispers, looking around and into the sky anxiously.
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 74/60 - (Kim) - To Exit The Chamber d20+5=22 ; Thursday July 21st, 2016 7:14:08 PM
"Calm down, Jindrak. They won't hurt you. Lower us to chest level, please, gently," he says to the giant, in common.
Murphy keeps his seat (and hopes others keep theirs) (reflex save 22 v DC10). Why in the Lotophagi didn't Alleah warn their giant friend that she was going to cast that upon him?
Then he takes his turn in addressing the crowd.
"Yes, we all want to avoid problems with plumbers. And we are NOT here to harm any of you. We did not come here for harm, but for a rescue. Kezzem was not wholly accurate in his report.
"You may have heard me call out from within that we have good news. What is that news?
"Good people, who have been oppressed and tortured, have now been rescued. A wicked man, who has tortured and slain many, has been bested.
"And here, our friends Vessely and Tiana - who were mistreated and tortured and tormented by the wicked necromancer Uthvas Bethus, are now freed. They lie asleep upon this couch. More about them in a moment.
"The good giant here, who was enslaved by this town's taxidermist, is now free, and will come with us, for we would have him far from this place of torment," he says, moving his right arm back to indicate the necromancer's laboratory.
"Know this: We asked up front of Uthvas Bethud for the return of our friends. We also were willing to offer him something for their return. Yet he refused to meet with us, and his warped little homunculus familiar locked us up in that room over there.
"We feared for our friends, whom Uthvas kept within. We thought, what, is he going to harm them further now that we are here. So, we managed to get through the inner door, and sought to find them. I wanted to talk with Uthvas.
"Some of his weird stuffed monsters came awake and tried to kill us. I managed to get through another door. Uthvas had his putrid, dead-but-alive giants, clad only in loincloths, and him wearing a woman's dress, and lipstick, he had them beat me with large clubs. I tried to get past them, to find my friends, and tried to talk with him.
"Uthvas said to me, 'You are of no use to me. Perhaps your parts would prove interesting. Perhaps you can be reanimated to serve my needs.'
"Then, as my bleeding and battered body lie there, he told them to kill me.
"And they did."
He pauses for a moment to let that sink in.
[I am not done with this post, but have to leave to pick up my wife. This is part 1 of 2 for this post, if that's okay.]
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 74/60 - (Kim) - To Exit The Chamber d20+9=15 ; Thursday July 21st, 2016 8:39:32 PM
After the brief pause, Murphy continues. "Uthvas Bethud, whom I had not harmed, nor had my friends harmed, killed me.
"Now, I see on some of your faces a bit of confusion. How, if he killed me, am I now here talking before you? Give me a few moments, and I shall tell you.
"Strange thing is, my spirit remained within the room. Rivulets of Woldsblood crisscrossed the room. And there were other spirits. They were the souls of those whom Uthvas Bethud had slain. And their souls called out for vengeance upon the Wicked Uthvas.
"And I was still able to see Wicked Uthvas and his wicked monstrosities.
"For those who do not know, I will tell you what this, this, man who dresses as a woman, who is known to some others in this city for his varied perversities - this is what he does. He takes dead bodies, or takes living souls and turns them into dead bodies, then uses them to fashion his own twisted creations. He has a talking cat that was formed out of parts from several cats, plus who knows what other creatures. He boasts of improving upon life, but his bent mind has a very warped view of what 'improvement' means. His abominations perform according to his will.
"He is a deadly slaver - using dark and forbidden magics to make the sorts of beings that one might find in Koshe-Marr, the shadowy land of nightmares. They are bent creations, bent to a deformed and malign will.
"Uthvas Bethud is a BAD GUY. Do you agree with me? Uthvas bethud is a BAD GUY. I say it again. UTHVAS BETHUD IS A BAY GUY." Before his statement moves into a chant, he holds up his hand.
"I realize that many of you, most of you, have been unaware of the depth of his depravity. But now that you are made aware, you may understand why we speak against him.
"So, how can I, Murphy, whom Wicked Uthvas had slain, be here, raised up before you good citizens, and you, Mayor Hammish Iron Fist?
"Despite Uthvas' animated attempts to slay my friends after he slew me - after he took my poor bloody carcass and had his monsters smear it across the floor to make the floor slippery - despite that, and his ongoing attacks against him, they bested him, and put an end to Uthvas' monstrosities.
"He retreated into the room in which he had imprisoned our two halfling friends, sending out another monster against them. They still bested him, and his attempts to use magic to flee us failed. My friends tied him up, and spoke with him. He pled for his life.
"We do not like to take life, though we know how to do so when the necessity arises. And, after he offered a salve which may allow them to restore my life - not in the manner he warps life into false life - they applied it to my bloodied body." He gives a nod of gratitude to Pressi.
"My friends and I found ourselves in a rising mist," he says, and raises his arms, looking up to the left and the right.
In a loud stage whisper, he says, "We went to stand before Lord Gargul, wise Gatekeeper to the Lands of Rest. He looks about. In a more normal speaking voice, but loud enough to carry, he adds, "Yes, we stood before Lord Gargul, not more than a quarter hour ago.
"Think about how you will answer for your life. For it is likely that each of use will one day stand before him. It may help you better live this, your life in the Wold.
"I will not detail what all happened there. Only this. Lord Gargul showed me kindness and mercy, and allowed my smashed out life to be extended. He did speak well of my companions, and told me to trust in my friends here. We are Humble's Sword.
"As we returned to Uthvas' laboratory of torment and torture, we found that the bonds Uthvas has been in were torn to shreds. Likely Wicked Uthvas' winged, devilish homunculus familiar came in to free him as we stood before the Gatekeeper. Have any of you seen him come out since we went in? We did not kill him - in fact, after the combat was over, my friend here," and he nods toward Alleah, "helped to heal him.
"This giant, this good giant, for so Vesseley had told us, had been strapped to a large table, used by Wicked Uthvas for some other of his experiments. We were able to revive him.
"In a moment, if he wishes to do so, he may tell you how Wicked Uthvas treated him. We plan to take him with us, away from this uncharacteristically dark dwelling within Bright Springs."
He holds up a hand for patience. "I know I have spoken a long time. Please forgive me for being so long-winded.
"After I was killed, I called to the good powers above, that LIGHT MIGHT SHINE IN THIS PLACE OF DARKNESS. And they answered my prayers. My own soul brightened. Among the dark spirits within, some of them turned from dark thoughts of vengeance, toward the light of love and hope, and a few of them were drawn in peace to travel to the lands of rest.
"But that further LIGHT might shine in DARKNESS," and he motions to some of the citizens closest to the wide opened doors, "Go within, and see the warped and bloody heritage of WICKED UTHVAS. Jindrak, stand aside a bit so they can pass by. Go within, citizens of Bright Springs, and see my blood smeared upon his rancid floors.
"I invite you to look into his horror chambers, and witness the remains of the terrible and putrid constructs fashioned by this bent mind, and the bars behind which he kept his victims and his devilish zoo. "See the table upon which this good-hearted giant lay, helpless. "See the bloody clubs used to kill me. "See the remains of those warped creatures Wicked Uthvas sent against us, we whose sole purpose was to set free those whom Uthvas had imprisoned and enslaved." He waves his arm again, motioning toward the doors. Be not afraid, for he is not there to harm you. BUT THIS MUST BE WITNESSED! Judge for yourselves! He hopes that some are emboldened enough to step within - though many many retch at the stench within.
He turns to face the Mayor. "I would be very surprised if you knew the full extent of the evil which lies within, for you seem to me a lawful ruler. As one who has shown himself able to rule, though, I expect now that you know, or shortly will, after you look inside to see the truth of what I report, you would agree with us that, if justice would continue to rule in Bright Springs, then may I ask that you consider the notion of bringing the necromancer to justice - or drive him out and away from your presence? I think the death penalty would not be excessive, but we declined, even seeing what he had done, and being his victims ourselves, to execute the pathetic man. We will leave it to the local authorities to make that determination. We did not come to kill, but to rescue. It was Uthvas who tried to kill, and we defended against the attacks of his abominations, and against Uthvas himself."
Murphy now closes his busy mouth.
[Diplomacy 15 - perhaps might add a bit more to it, based on the circumstances, but that is up to our DM, and whether others chip in]
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 d20+8=28 ; Thursday July 21st, 2016 8:52:02 PM OOC: natural 20 on reflex save.
Shel holds up her hands. "Whoa whoa, we aren't here to attack anyone. Murphy is right. We rescued our friends and his bigun that is carrying us right now. He was taking their very life force! He had his cronies kill Murphy, and that's only what he's done today! We mean no trouble to the town. We just mean to go home."
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 d20+6=11 ; d20+6=20 ; Friday July 22nd, 2016 3:39:07 AM "Murphy isn't the sort to use one word when one hundred would do, so let me summarize. We rescued our friends from the cells you will find in that house, Uthvas was last seen alive and at Gargul's mercy, and since we haven't done anything wrong, we're leaving"
She sees no point in trying to rally the town against the mayor. That was for the town to sort out in its own due course. Anything said against him now would likely just antagonize him.
-------------- Ref Save vs DC10: 11 = Pass Diplomacy: 20 (30 against anyone - such as the mayor - who might be considered a hermit, witch, outcast or recluse)
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 74/60 - (Kim) - To Exit The Chamber Friday July 22nd, 2016 4:54:45 AM
[I 'like' RobC's post]
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 d20+12=20 ; Friday July 22nd, 2016 8:44:38 AM
(Reflex Save 20.)
Pressi takes a moment to stabilize the two unconscious wizards (not sure what kind of check that would be). She also takes a moment to squeeze Murphy's hand at the break point, telling him that he was doing fine.
Ok, it was a little long winded. But it never hurts to evoke emotion on your side in these kind of things. Painting a picture in the mind might save them.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Friday July 22nd, 2016 8:56:55 AM
(That said, Pressi might enforce a 100 word limit the next time Murphy decides to do exposition. She intends to raise that at their next meeting back home.)
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste Friday July 22nd, 2016 1:18:42 PM
"Keep talking, Murph," says Kezzem, "Maybe if you talk long enough, they will all get bored and go away."
Bliss nods at Alleah's story and at Murphy's. Well, he kind of nods off at Murphy's! [Not really, although his attention wanders a bit.]
After they speak, he does what he can to help his friends. "That's right, Mister Mayor sir! That's how it happened, so please do not be mad. You see our friends here that were captives. We could not leave them prisoned in those nasty cells!"
"So please be nice and let us go home now. What's that saying you got, Mookie?"
Mookie cocks his head and is silent for a second as he tries to figure out what the heck Bliss is talking about. Then he gets it. "Don't hurt me, and I'll go away," says the bird. "No harm, no fowl."
"Yeah, that's the one," says Bliss. "Same dealio with all of us. Let us go, nobody needs to argue or fight, and thanks and goodby."
Aid Another Diplomacy: a 20 gives a +2 to another roll.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Friday July 22nd, 2016 9:19:43 PM
"I feel we should stress something before we continue. Murphy kind of hit rather hard the fact that Uthvas was 'a man dressed as a woman.' This is something I think we can agree as rather irrelevant to the question of her morality or worthiness of life, except as to the potential that she was creating sex slaves for her personal use."
She noted the crowd (and maybe some of her partners) staring at her. "We as a group try to be inclusive to all races, religions and sexual identities, and do not judge on some repressed standard of... But, I digress. Just wanted to get it out there that we didn't engage because she was in the wrong clothing."
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 74/60 - (Kim) - To Exit The Chamber Friday July 22nd, 2016 9:52:05 PM
"No, we didn't go on the rescue or fight him because HE was wearing woman's clothing. Are you confused about something, Pressi?" Her comments seem to come out of the blue. "Uthvas is a man, not a woman. And, no, I'm not going to be inclusive of all races, religions, and sexual identities - what's a sexual identity, anyways? I'm not going to support followers of Marteaus, or say that 'whatever you believe is fine.' Regarding race - I will give folks a chance, even if they are of a race that normally doesn't get along with some others, right? You've seen me do that, lots - give people a chance. And, yes, I think that a guy dressing up in lipstick and a dress is rather weird. Not criminal itself, as far as I know but - what, you think that's normal? You think Uthvas is normal?"
Bliss looks down at himself, half the size of any other halfling, dressed in leprechaun green. He thinks about how he was born in a different body -- a girl body, with wings. He thinks about how he wants to fly again. Like he did when he was a girl. "Is flying a girl thing?" he thinks to himself.
He thinks about how he is not exactly normal.
He thinks about girls and boys and goes over what he knows about that stuff. It takes about 10 seconds.
If there are enough shadows within 10 ft, Bliss hides in plain sight. If not, you may see he is blushing.
[OOC: Please forgive this second, illegal post for the day.]
Dm Shawn - TPk coming in 5....4....3....2....1 Friday July 22nd, 2016 11:33:37 PM
The crowd just stares at Murphy as he talks. If they are losing interest, no one shows it. All eyes are on him and hanging on every word. When he is done, there is just silence. Finally Kezzem's joke breaks the quiet, but no one laughs.
Finally, Hammish sheathes his sword.
"Weapons down Lads... they're free to go. "
Turning to Humbles Sword he adds... " Out of my town by sundown and take the giant with you. "
Ooc: Kim take a hero point forthe speech.
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Thank you, and back to the Inn d20+22=38 ; d20+9=27 ; Saturday July 23rd, 2016 1:24:55 AM
"Thank you, Lord Mayor," Murphy says. He thinks to add one thing. "Ah, there were a few of the necromancer's creatures which did not animate. It just occurred to me this moment that some of them might still be able to do so. Perhaps you would want some of your guards to deal with them, dismantle and destroy them, lest they animate at some point and attack. There are none in the room we came out of, or of the room with cells, but in the room behind the other door there are several. Perhaps they are harmless, but - please take pains to be certain. Electricity empowers them, fire burns them.
"If it were up to me, I might just put the whole thing to the flames. We did not wish to do so without your leave, though, and without taking precautions lest any surrounding places be harmed. Or perhaps just a thorough cleaning, and some exorcisms. Uh, you might want to make certain a number of those books of dark arts and scrolls be purged, too. It's all in your hands, though, sir."
He looks down at the halfling clad in beautiful armor. In the halfling tongue, he asks, "Hello. Do you speak halfling? If so, we'd love to hear your story - though I doubt you'll want to ride on this couch. If you'd care, feel free to walk with us back to our inn. If you'd not care to do so, then, have a great day, anyhow!" Then, in common, he adds. "But, if you'd like to come with us at this higher altitude, say, Jindrak, can you lower the couch so this well-armored halfling might settle in with us?"
After that, he looks to his friends. "Shall we go now? Bliss... wherever you are. How about if you give our friend Jindrak here directions back to our place? It's a good time for a ride on a stinky couch, wouldn't you say?"
He waves farewell to the citizens, and, when the mayor is not looking his direction, gives a little salute to the gnoll woman they saw this morning at the inn. He then takes time as they engage in communal couch surfing to engage in quiet, gratitude-filled conversation, a bit of teasing (both giving and receiving, for sure), and talk of what lies ahead - as well as getting to know the stranger, if he decided to join them. He feels the potency of the lightning bolt spell he had prepared dissipate from his fingers, and is glad he did not need to use it. As they draw close to the inn, Murphy announces, "I get first dibs on a bath. Normally, I'd offer to let the ladies go first, but," he leans his head down near his chest and takes a whiff, "I smell TERRIBLE!"
[Thank you, DM Shawn, for the hero point! Great job, everyone. Kezzem, I nearly fell off my chair after reading your story!]
[Perception: 38]
....... After the bath and clean clothes, Murphy returns to the grocer. "Hi. Remember the money I paid you? Find us a high quality cart, and fill it with mushrooms. I want mainly dried mushrooms, but if you have containers that will preserve fresh ones for a while without them going rancid, include some of those, too. We don't want the cart reeking to high heaven halfway back home. I'll pay you for the cart, and the fungi. After our experts in our hometown have a chance to try them, and give their opinions, they may get back in touch with you. Now, that is not a promise, only a possibility. Also - label each batch, and jot down a quick description. We leave in two hours. That does not give you much time. Take advantage of what you have. Here's 50 gold. Be honest, and fair, and reasonable, and tell me once I come to pick this up if I owe you any more. Make sure the cart is solid. And, tell me your name again? I'm Murphy."
He goes to the woman who sold him the bandages and such. "Thank you, ma'am. We only needed to use one of those bandages, but it really helped in healing." He then tells her the details of the deal he made with the merchant, and asks her to keep an eye on him. "If he skimps or cheats, or does something shoddy, I want to know. Here is 25 gold. You keep your eye on him, and all is well, there's another 25 coming your way. If you have a few items you think might benefit us on a long journey, just let me know."
Murphy is certain that people will yell at him for getting a cart. As his father taught him to keep his word to the best of his ability, however, he feels that since they said they were looking into setting up trade with them, he'll do his best to make sure his inaction does not turn him into a liar.
[Diplomacy: 27 - negotiating with the merchant]
Last item: Murphy points out we can go back the way we came - or, we could travel more civilized routes, and go through Dourscale, then up the roads all the way back to Angel Springs and Crescent Valley.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 Saturday July 23rd, 2016 2:58:42 AM "Sorry, Murph. No time for baths. I'm all for getting out of this town while we still can. We can rest and bathe outside the city limits. Perhaps back at Nywald's village? We did ask them to have a medic there ready for us. Let's get out of here before there's any more trouble"
Alleah has no intention of stopping or staying one minute more than necessary in this town. If need be she will escort Tiana and Vesseley by herself.
"Besides.. you've only been alive for one minute. How bad could you smell?"
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Saturday July 23rd, 2016 11:43:58 AM
Shel was definitely in agreement with Alleah. "There will be plenty of time to stop and smell the roses (and freshly bathed) halflings along the way. The mood has turned our way. I don't see any reason to stay here and test our luck. Never overstay your welcome and all that jazz."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Saturday July 23rd, 2016 8:40:17 PM
(OOC: Apologies for the delay. I have an easier time posting weekdays than weekends. Also, apologies if Pressi's comments re trans insulted anyone. Pressi will be moving on so we don't grind to a halt over this.)
Pressi stared at Murphy as HE screamed at her. Pressi dropped Murphy's hand quickly, her face no longer soft. For a moment, she stared at him, her lips pursed.
She remained quiet, straight seated, as the sentries told them to get out of there, and as they rode along on the couch of a giant. It wasn't until they were more private that she dared approach the subject.
"I'm sorry if you thought I was attacking you," Pressi said. "My intentions were not even to reproach you for including such a detail, and your feelings on the matter are your own. I had my own reasons for my speech, and I won't bore them with you now. I just wish you to know that if you are confused as to why I say or do things, you may actually try talking with me and react later.
"And Murphy. You will never talk to me that way again."
With that, Pressi was off to pack.
--------------
Pressi moved the coins from her belt pouch back to the shared treasure trove. "I had wanted some available in case we needed to bribe someone or throw them as a distraction," she explained. "For now, we seem to be okay. They gave us until sundown and I don't think they will go back on their word. That said... speed might be in our best interest."
She finished packing. "I don't think there's any reason why we have to contact anyone else. Purchase whatever we need for the trip back and lets get going." She tries to remember if she promised the leather people anything in particular. "We probably should hit the leather place on the way back, especially if we need more alchemical supplies or ammunition."
She wondered about the paladin halfling that they saw in the crowd, and whether they should have approached him. Maybe Trill could guide him back or something.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste Monday July 25th, 2016 12:59:50 AM
"Let's get out of here, Humbles, before they start with the human sacrifices, cat's living with dogs, and/or mass hysteria."
Bliss keeps a low profile after the mayor ushers the party out of the village. He is happy to be getting out of dodge. A bath sounds good, but Bliss thinks getting back home sounds better.
Dm Shawn - TPk coming in 5....4....3....2....1 Monday July 25th, 2016 1:50:52 PM
Murphy shares info with the mayor who makes a note of it. He moves off...
Alleah tells Murphy they are not sticking around for him to sprea some coin. Shel agrees with it. Even KeZem.
But it is Pressi who is the most upset and lets Murphy know.
Bliss is fine with slinking away and getting out of town.
.........
"Arrest her" the mayor says as he points to the gnoll woman. " And Burn his house down. The creations, his books, and notes. Burn it all down."
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Thank you, and back to the Inn Monday July 25th, 2016 2:13:16 PM
[Please note, Melvin, there was NO screaming in Murphy's reply. He spoke far more quietly than when he was addressing the crowd. Neither did he whisper. I think you read in some things that were not there.]
"No, Press, I didn't think you were attacking me. I really don't agree, as I stated, on the religion thing - there are a few bads ones out there - and, with how everyone else seems to think that Uthvas is a man, well, putting lipstick on a guy doesn't change him into a woman. And I've never even heard before this, what, 'sexual identity' thing. Huh, though, I guess I did hear sometimes back about a belt that could change someone from a guy to a gal, or the other way around. Is that what you mean? Anyway, as far as 'You will never talk to me that way again' - so, how do I, or did I, talk to you? I just responded to what you said. You want me not to ever gainsay anything? Pressi - I have very high regard for you. I have great respect for you, and who you are. I admire your courage. I can't think of much at all that we'd disagree about. But you have every right to disagree with me if I'm in the wrong - or if you see it that way. But, just as I don't want to muzzle you, please don't think to do so with me.
"If I'm missing something though, please tell me. I really want to understand. And I'd be happy to listen, and talk with you about all this - maybe later, on the road. You are very precious to me, you know, and I hope we can figure this thing out." . Murphy responds to the others, who want to skedaddle as soon as possible. "All right, no baths here. Two things, though. We are getting a cart for the sake of our two sleeping wizards. And the merchant has something for me. How about if a few of you get the ponies ready, maybe one or two of you can come with me to buy a cart, Pressi, sure, go to the leather good place, then I'll swing by the merchant - grab what I ordered from him, grab some food, hook up the ponies, and hit the road. If we're lucky, we can be out of there in half an hour or close to it. Sound fair? And don't anyone tell me that a cart won't work - we've been over the whole path, and I can't think of one spot where it wouldn't work."
He feels sorry for the gnoll lady. And is glad that the mayor will cleanse the necromancer's place.
"Thanks, everyone, for everything you did, rescuing our friends, and... and for standing for me with Lord Gargul."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Monday July 25th, 2016 4:03:10 PM
[Kim and I have already discussed online how Murphy's statements with no context could be read in a couple of different ways and I did read them as an angry tirade. I should have taken it off line first, and I do wish I could go back and edit things.]
Pressi shakes her head as if trying to clear it loose. "I'm sorry, I just took things the wrong way. It's just... I feel a bit like a failure back there and with these crowds. Emotionally. Ethically. I guess its been tough for me to know how to deal with that... or with the emotions of just seeing you lying there. I don't want to get into what happened. I want to get back on the road and put what happened behind me."
She agrees with Murphy's assessment to get a cart, expressing a clear desire that she won't be the one carrying them. She agrees to stop by the leather goods place, grabbing some of Uthvas' coins and asking if anyone has specific orders. [She is thinking for the group a couple of CMW potions, a few alchemy items like sunrods and maybe some more ammo for Kezzem. Plus if there's anything Murphy wants her to do.]
As for the gnoll, Pressi can't help but insert herself into the conversation and at least ask for the charges.
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Monday July 25th, 2016 9:29:05 PM
Shel rolled her eyes. It was impossible to get their group to leave quietly. Ever. If she ever learned how to Teleport, she swore she'd learn it as soon as possible to avert all this stuff in the future. Lets hurry to the store and get out of here. I'm afraid their patience is going to run out ever so quickly. Please, let's hurry!"
Bliss, still shy after the "discussion" between Pressi and Murphy, keeps a low profile, stays hidden when there are sufficient shadows, and keeps alert to see what will happen next.
Perception 21
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 d2=2 ; Tuesday July 26th, 2016 9:21:22 AM
Alleah takes her lucky coin from her pocket and flips it in the air. Tails. Wardds Wagers! She had been really hoping for a heads that time. The gnoll woman was a street walker, and had likely done something illegal at some point.
So while Murphy organises the cart, she hops down from the couch and tries to move closer to the mayor to speak privately. She approaches with her head bowed, trying to show utmost respect "Excuse me, Mr Mayor, Sir. Would a 175 gold piece donation to the town coffers be enough to make up for whatever offence the gnoll woman committed? "
Alleah only has 178 gold pieces on her, and all her equipment is small sized. She won't let the discussion stop the party from leaving as soon as the ponies and cart are ready however.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste d20+13=15 ; Tuesday July 26th, 2016 12:40:57 PM
"'Wick'-less here did not just do that! Please tell that it just not true?" says Kezzem. "No, it's true all right. This man has no 'wick'."
Bluff: 15. (to convince the crowd that he does in fact have no "wick"
"Hey, not-so-good sir, I don't know what crimes she is accused of here, or whether or not she is even flatulent, but there's no good evidence against the gassy gnoll."
Dm Shawn - Burning down the house.... d20+4=5 ; Tuesday July 26th, 2016 4:29:01 PM
Murphy and Pressi hash out there mini argument. Cooler heads prevail when they talk it through. Murphy still wants a cart and to stop by the merchant.
Shel agrees they need to leave as soon as they are done with the merchant.
Bliss keeps hidden in the shadows of the couch.
Kezzem, who sounds insane talking to himself, confuses the people around him.. " who has no wick?"
Alleah moves towards the mayor about the gnoll woman..
" Prostitoution to start. But there will be others." He looks at the baggage of coin and turns to his captain. " My captain says that is enough for her crimes. She is free to go.. but if she doesnt conform to the law she will be dealt with again."
The gnoll steps away from the mayor... " Thanksss... again. "
A guard interupts and moves closer with a stack of papers. " What should I do with these?" "What are they?" "Private notes and letters to and from Uthvas." "Burn them you dolt..."
The man looks around and drops the notes on the ground. He takes a torch from another guard and starts the blaze on the ground before turning to the house and launching the torch onto the roof.
Why are they making a deal about those papers? Why destroy them? He wonders if those papers are important. Struck by whimsy or intuition, Bliss hops down from the couch. He thinks about that special book he salvaged from the necromancer's lair. He figures maybe he has a job to do.
So long as there are shadows, Bliss dances! Keeping stealthy, he hops down from the couch (Acrobatics check 24*). He sneaks over to the fellow with the papers (Stealth check 47). Just before they are torched, Bliss grabs up to three-quarters of them when no one is looking (Sleight of Hand check 22).
Then Bliss dashes off back into the necromancer's lair before it is burned. He relies on Mookie to tell him when to get out, via panic through the Telempathic Link. Inside, Bliss looks for papers and writings like the ones he saw in the special book and in the papers he hopes he rescued.
Perception 29 to search!
When the party is about to leave, Bliss dashes back out and follows the friendly giant.
Second Stealth check: Stealth 38.
[*Forgot to add +2 cat's grace with the die roller]
Dm Shawn - Burning down the house.... Tuesday July 26th, 2016 6:36:16 PM
Ooc: i am pretty sure it was daylight when you guys headed in. Add to that the fire and torches and there isnt many shadows.
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Thank you, and back to the Inn d20+22=32 ; Tuesday July 26th, 2016 6:42:28 PM
Murphy says, "Right, Shel. Let's get going so we can ready to leave. It's, what, about 10am? Shall we all meet by the inn in about half an hour?" He looks up at the face of the hill giant, and asks politely, "Jindrak, please, set down the couch. Want to come with me? We need to pick up a few things. Since you'll be coming with us, at least for as long as you want, tell me, what kind of food do you like? You're hungry, right?" To as many of the gradually scattering group as he can see (he can't see Bliss at the moment, he says, "Come, let's head out." He looks to the gnoll whom Alleah just ransomed. "You want to help us find out where to buy a cart, lady?" He begins to walk at a normal pace down the street, back the direction they came.
Ah, resourceful Bliss. Some of the papers likely incriminate the mayor himself.
[Perception: 32]
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Tuesday July 26th, 2016 7:44:45 PM
Shel closes her eyes and concentrates. Teleport, teleport, teleport. men's opens her eyes and sighs to to they were all still in the village. It was clear the group wasn't terribly concerned, so she decided to do her best to try to join in. "Should we see if there is an extra pony for sale around town? Another pony pulling the cart might make even better time."
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Thank you, and back to the Inn Tuesday July 26th, 2016 8:53:58 PM
"Good idea, Shel," Murphy responds to her suggestion for another pony. As many know, Murphy believes one can never have too many ponies.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 Tuesday July 26th, 2016 9:03:19 PM
Alleah approaches Yousessa to have a word with her "Things will likely not be safe for you here. It would probably be best if you were to leave with us. If you'd be interested in a life of farming, I know somewhere you could stay"
Yousessa clearly isn't evil, so wouldn't fit in with the local gnolls. Bright Springs isn't safe for her, and at Nywald's village they seem to shoot gnolls on sight. Unless she has somewhere else to go Alleah is thinking of inviting her back to the homestead in Humble's Ford. She'd probably fit in well with the farm hand Quotiln, the other person Alleah had rescued from a life of crime.
Alleah is ready to leave the town.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 d20+13=17 ; Tuesday July 26th, 2016 10:39:03 PM
As nobody gives Pressi any idea of what to buy, and as Pressi has no money of her own (and wasn't stupid enough to promise to buy stuff in the future), she really just gives the items a last lookover and some vague waves. She's frankly more worried about what they might see on the trip back than on the town, but she decides against spending the group money before it's divided - not even on cure potions.
She does promise to pay Alleah some of the funds she had to spend to free the gnoll once they divvy up the funds from Uthvas. She also tries to convince the gnoll to come with them, drawing on her own history.
As for the pile, she does take one last look at the papers as they burn (Perception 17) but is pretty sure that she found anything and everything of note to them. As for incriminating Hammish, she really wasn't interested in inserting herself further in the politics or causing more trouble. She still felt a little guilty for the stuff they had to do - and that maybe the gnoll was arrested because of them.
"Ok, once Murphy comes by, we shall be off."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste d20+13=14 ; Wednesday July 27th, 2016 12:33:14 PM
"Why are you trying to burn everything?" asks Kezzem. "Next thing you know you'll be finding witches and trying to see if they weigh as much as a duck or something."
Bluff: 14 (natural 1)
Dm Shawn - Burning down the house.... Wednesday July 27th, 2016 5:25:11 PM
Ooc: Switched to night shift.. post will be around 1030-1100 est
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Wednesday July 27th, 2016 7:12:44 PM
If Shel notices Pressi was without any coin, she offers to float whatever she might need. She knew that rifling through Uthvas 's items would be a poor look, so she didn't want to get into divine intervention the items right there in front of the town. "Need a few gold, Pressi? I've got some coins I'd be happy to lend you, even after buying another pony!"
Dm Shawn - Burning down the house.... Wednesday July 27th, 2016 11:15:44 PM
Bliss has an idea to grab the papers but due to the lack of shadows decides against it.
Murphy wants to meet up in a half hour at the inn. He asks Jindrak to lower the couch, to which the giant does. " Im hungry. Ill go with you." The gnoll woman shakes her head negatively to Murphy. " I am needed here."
Shel wants to purchase another pony. Doesnt seem like a bad idea and the town is easily big enough to supply one.
The gnoll smiles to Alleah. " I appreciate it, but I am needed here. Ive dealt with thisss fool before. He cannot harm me. " She leans in to Alleah... " Save those papers..."
Pressi takes a look at the papers and she can spot some scribbling. Mostly dates and names.. some others have sketches of golems.
Kezzem continues with the crazy, but this time he doesnt get the favorable reaction.
"Is your friend Drunk?" Hammish asks. " Public drunkeness is a crime."
Shel offers to give Pressi any money she needs.
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Hyperdrive shopping spree d20+9=28 ; Thursday July 28th, 2016 2:38:22 AM
Murphy and Jindrak have already headed off back into town (otherwise he may have taken Kezzem by the ear to drag him away from Hammish's ears) - quite a sight, they, a halfling and a hill giant. "I need to find out who sells carts, who sells ponies. I know some who sell food. Do you like meat? Like goat meat, or pig's flesh, or the like? How about fruits and vegetables, such as turnips, tomatoes, squash, and potatoes, apples and grapes, pomegranates and crepes. I know crepes are not fruits or vegetables, but I was having fun. Crepes are thin pancakes. You likely need something to drink, too. I'll pick up a few barrels, and can fill them with fresh water."
How is the giant clad? If he needs more or better clothing, Murphy will also try to find.
As mentioned in an earlier post, he does swing by the mercantile, picks up the mushrooms, and a fair quantity of other food good to travel - the items above, also flour, onions, garlic.
Along the way he asks, "Where can I buy a cart, a pony, and other traveling gear?" He will get more than one suggestion before he makes a decision as to where to go, to find out if more than one person suggests the same place, or places. Then he and the giant make haste toward whoever is reputed to have the best quality gear.
Talking with merchants and townspeople (to get directed to appropriate merchants) is Murphy's main initial activity, then actually making the purchases. In the midst of that, though, he does ask Jindrak to tell him, if he can remember, how it was he came under Uthvas' roof. If Jindrak is more comfortable speaking giant, he is happy to converse in that tongue.
[Diplomacy with townspeople, merchants: 28 (plus, perhaps any extra should word be getting around about the heroic halflings who rescued some prisoners?]
[Have a shopping list in the Catacombs, should have some help on that by tomorrow, am told.]
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 d20+7=14 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+10=25 ; Thursday July 28th, 2016 3:21:21 AM
Alleah nods to the gnoll woman and whispers back "Any chance of distracting them for a moment?"
She casually steps forward towards the pile of fiery notes and rubs her hands, pretending to warm them up. How in Wardd's name was she supposed to save the papers AND avoid the possible wrath of the mayor and guards?
She looks to see if they are still paying attention to her, or are distracted by Kezzem or the gnoll woman.
When everyone appears distracted, she reaches into her haversack and ever so clumsily drops some sheets of paper to the ground (Highlight to display spoiler: {Alleah has/had 5 sheets of paper in her kit})
When she bends down to pick them up, she tries her best to pick up any papers from Uthvas' house that aren't currently alight and stuffs them into her haversack
---------------- Possible skill checks: Bluff: 24 Sleight of Hand: 14 Stealth: 25
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste d20+13=18 ; Thursday July 28th, 2016 12:22:59 PM
"One has to wonder, what's in the papers that makes you so keen to burn them? What's in the papers? What's in the papers?"
Bluff: 18
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Thursday July 28th, 2016 4:36:36 PM
"I appreciate that," Pressi replied. "But what I'm really interested in was buying for the group. See, I think there's only a small chance that the town will break their word and..."
Bliss, Alleah and Kezzem do things.
"I think there's only a moderately high chance we will anger the town until they hunt us with pitchforks. But I'm certain we will face dangers on the way back. Anyway, Murphy already bought stuff for the group and I'm sure he won't waste time.... Okay, so I don't see any cure potions, but I see a lot of chocolate and honey.
"Murphy, just because Tolkien invented a bunch of stereotypes about halflings doesn't mean we have to follow them."
[OOC: I'm a bit confused. I hope this post makes sense!]
=====
Outside Uthvas's House, the Mayor tries to burn some papers, and Alleah saved some. Kezzem is still talking with the Mayor. Bliss hops off the couch and grabs Kezzem's hand. "Come on, we gotta go! Let's stop talking and let's get out of this town, please, Kezzem."
=====
Bliss is glad when the giant sets the couch down outside town! He goes over to the Gnoll Lady and says to her, "I'm worried about you! That mean mayor tried to kill you. I think you should stay with us, please."
Diplomacy (untrained) 5; Perception to sneak a peek at the Gnoll 21.
Bliss stays with Alleah at the couch. He urges everyone to stay here or to return soon.
"Mister Murphy, you just died!" he calls out when he sees Murphy moving back to town. "Please do not go off alone to die again!"
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Hyperdrive shopping spree Thursday July 28th, 2016 6:30:52 PM
Step back - have thought that Murphy already was gone from the group - but if he heard Bliss call out to him, he answers, "I'm not alone - Jindrak is with me. You can come, too, or anyone who wants to. I think we should all get away from that place of torture, not stand in front and jaw. C'mon and help, any and all!"
Regarding cure potions - no one responded to Murphy's post of weeks ago regarding the curative bandages he offered around. He has a wand of CLW, as does Alleah, I think. I think he told Pressi about the herbal shop that has them back a ways, if she wants more. "Tolkien who? And what's a stereotypes?"
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Hyperdrive shopping spree Thursday July 28th, 2016 6:33:41 PM
P.S.: If anyone's gonna get us killed, it's Kezzem. Please place a sock in his mouth :-)
P.P.S.: Shopping now
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Thursday July 28th, 2016 9:55:33 PM
Shel nodded at Pressi. She's right. THere's no way we can spend an hour in town without making someone angry!. And now that mean mayor was clearly trumping up charges to try to get them in trouble yet again. At least she still had some of her magic left for today. She couldn't help it...the situation made her start laughing just a bit.
Dm Shawn - Burning down the house.... Friday July 29th, 2016 5:27:28 AM
Murphy makes the shopping list in his head, and heads off with the giant to make his preparations. The townsfolk and merchants he encounters are cordial and polite. Shooting a wave or, "how you doing..". He is pointed to the shop that has most of the items he is looking fof.
As for Jindrak... he shrugs " Was hunting.. and got hurt. Woke up here."
Alleah asks the gnoll for a distraction, and with her help is able to.swoop in and grab a good portion of papers.
Kezzem blurts out again... and everyone can tell the mayor is starting to get annoyed. " I dont know you fool.. we're burning everything of his."
Bliss hops off and grabs KeZem.by the hand and pulls him away from the mayor. He tries to.convince the gnoll to leave but she is steadfast. (I dont know what you mean by sneak a peak).
Shel understood the situation and realized this group was making some people angry.
...........
" I thought i told you all to leave the town. I see one of you has taken me for my word, while the rest just stand around. For the last time... leave and take your drunk friend with you."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste Friday July 29th, 2016 6:47:30 AM
"I'm not out of sober," calls back Kezzem as they are leaving. "Your out of sober! This whole place is out of sober!"
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste Friday July 29th, 2016 6:50:48 AM
Once away from the crowd, Kezzem adds,
"Am I the only one concerned about how keen El Chumpo was to burn all the evidence?"
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 Friday July 29th, 2016 9:22:01 AM "Don't worry. I snagged a few pages" Alleah whispers to Kezzem as she walks away with him "And nice job acting as a distraction by the way!". She is sincere in her praise, seeing the method to Kezzem's madness.
With Tiana and Vesseley in tow, Alleah will head towards the town gate.
A Bliss walks away with Alleah and Kezzem, Bliss listens and then says, "What,. Kezzem, that was a ... a trick? Wowsy, good one!"
Anyhow, Bliss is happy to be going, and cannot get through the town gate soon enough!
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste Friday July 29th, 2016 3:42:53 PM
"That's right, there's madness to my method."
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Friday July 29th, 2016 10:26:00 PM
Shel quickly follows the others out of the town as soon as possible. She knew they had worn out their welcome and lingering longer would only cause problems.
Dm Shawn - Burning down the house.... Saturday July 30th, 2016 5:40:59 AM
Kezzem continues yelling gibberish and is getting more then a few looks from townsfolk.
Alleah lets Kezzem know she got some pages. She makes sure to get Vesely and Tiana and heads for the gates.
Bliss congradulates Kezzem on his "acting".
Shel follows the others out of town..
........
Murphy deals with the merchant, purchasing some items. Some are a little harder to procure.
Ooc: Didnt want.to miss a dm post... sorry about lateness.
Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) Saturday July 30th, 2016 9:18:40 AM
Bliss urges the party to wait outside town for Murphy and the giant to emerge. But he is nervous. "I just hope those guys get out of town okay."
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 Saturday July 30th, 2016 11:23:02 PM
Alleah nods "Outside the gate is fine with me"
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Hyperdrive shopping spree d20+6=17 ; d20+6=25 ; d20+6=14 ; Sunday July 31st, 2016 4:53:12 AM
Murphy shows up about 5-10 minutes later than the half hour he predicted. "Sorry, lots to do."
Some may recognize the stablehand from the inn driving one two-pony cart, which is covered over with canvas, and pulling livestock behind - two bleating goats and a snuffling pig. Once about 100 yards outside the gates, the druid thanks the hand, and sends him back to the stables. Murphy drives a second cart. "The pig is to roast at Nywald's village. The goats are meals for Jindrak." Murphy supplies the animals carrots, and they quiet down.
He points to the back of the 5'x10' wagon bed, which has wooden side walls close to 4 feet above the floor. "Plenty of blankets back there for padding, and some bed rolls for our honored wizards. Let's get them aboard." He'll help his friends with that task. He asks Jindrak to lift out a barrel and place it on the ground. He casts create water and fills it full. "Drink, Jindrak, if you will."
As Jindrak drinks, he says, "Trill left a note. It reads, "Was talking to the lawyer. I learned something I need to take care of. Don't worry. I hope to see you back in Humble's Ford one of these days - Trillium."
He looks at his friends. "We've done half of this task. Let's get on the road and do the other half. We can talk on the way."
========== As the last leg of our journey to Bright Springs appeared to take 3-5 hours, and now it's roughly 10:30 or so, we should get to Nywand's village by mid-afternoon, barring obstacles.
Above: Handle animal rolls (17, 25, 14). Who will drive the second cart?
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 Monday August 1st, 2016 2:30:57 AM
While waiting for Murphy - and anyone else who had errands to run - Alleah will see if it is safe to read those papers she collected. She makes sure there are no nosy guards nearby. She would hate to see something important in the papers that would mean a return visit to this accursed town.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste Monday August 1st, 2016 9:34:20 AM
"You find anything interesting in those pages, 'leah?" asks Kezzem.
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Monday August 1st, 2016 9:36:44 PM
Shel wasnt really trained in driving a cart, but if nothing crazy happened, she was okay with puttering along slowly. She was glad to finally be rid of that awful town and even began humming a little tune as they hit the open road. •We need to remember to divide the loot from that nasty ole necromancer. He had collected strong magic over the years."
OOC: anyone want to be treasurer and give a breakdown of all the goodies and gold?
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Hyperdrive shopping spree d20+22=35 ; Monday August 1st, 2016 10:04:18 PM
Murphy waits until they are half a mile past the gate before he begins talking much. "As I mentioned, the pig is for Nywald's village. I think a celebration of the rescue - thus far - is in order. When we get there, too, we will want to make a decision: Do we go back more or less the way we came, or do we go through Dourscale, and up the old Teucri roads to Angel Springs? Not that there are never problems along that road, but I've heard that travel there tends to be less eventful, and the road itself helps to speed travelers on their way."
Murphy really is open to either alternative, but would like the group to make a decision - perhaps after talking it over at least lightly with the villagers.
He pays attention as they travel along to the local flora, and may hop off the cart every once in a while to pluck a few flowers, or dig up a small clump of grass.
When Murphy shows up, Bliss rushes up and then sticks out his hand.
"Mister Murphy, I sure am glad to see you. I was a little more than somewhat worried. Wowsy! Now let's head for home!"
Riding in the cart next to Shel, Bliss asks her, "Miss Shelly, yeah, I got lots of loot I just threw on, like this cloak and this nasty amulet. If nobody wants the amulet, and we can't sell it, does it count as worth zero gold? Cause I'm happy to hang onto it like that."
Dm Shawn - Burning down the house.... Monday August 1st, 2016 11:02:15 PM
Bliss wants everyone to wait outside the town for Murphy. Alleah agrees that is a good idea. While waiting she scans through the papers. (It'll take an hour to go through.) She sees mentions of Marteus and a book of ultimate evil. Some ledgers showing deliveries of slaves and bodies to Uthvas.
Murphy is able to get his gear he needs and leaves town as soon as possible. He is greeted by the group, especially by Bliss.
The group sets off, and after a few hours comes across the village. No one on the way would dare bother a group of halflings with a giant in tow.
Once by the village.. the group sees Nywald and his wife both holding the goblin babies and waving to the halflings.
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Hyperdrive shopping spree d20+22=38 ; Tuesday August 2nd, 2016 5:29:07 AM
"Ah, Bliss, thank you. Very happy to see you, and all my friends here." Murphy takes time to talk with each member of the party as they travel along about various things. Just before they come in sight of the village, he remarks, "You know, it might be nice to have a bard with us some time, who could write songs and poems. Or at least play good music to accompany us in our travels."
Murphy is interested in what Alleah learns from the scraps of papers some of the party were able to retrieve from Uthvas' place. When he has time - perhaps later in the day, he will read them, as well.
Upon seeing the folks they rescued earlier from the gnolls, Murphy rises to stand on the cart's driver's bench, still holding the reins. "Ho, Nyland and Gallia! How fare the wee biters?" he asks after the goblin babies they have chosen to care for. As greetings are exchanged, he says, "We have a fair sized pig here to roast. Can we provide that for the village and us to share together? We got what we came for, and there is cause to celebrate! And we have a Very Large Bigun with us - this here is Jindrak!"
Among their entourage are the eight halflings - Trillium and Cameron no longer travel with them, and Veseley Vortence and Tiana Taithen slumber in one of the two laden carts; eight ponies (Alleah's Thistle, Murphy's Pippa, Sugar and Nutmeg, the new ponies Cherry and Spike, also Bitey, and Kezzem's Rumpus); two riding dogs (Cudgel and Skipper); a pig which Murphy named Dinner, and two goats he calls Snack and Morsel. Not to mention a good-sized black crow.
[Murphy's traditional Perception check: 38]
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste Tuesday August 2nd, 2016 2:09:35 PM
"Huh, nothing about Mayor Hamfist in there? I thought for sure we'd fine something incriminating on him given how keen we was to burn them all."
"So...Book of Ultimate Evil. That sounds unpleasant. Ultimately unpleasant.
At Murphy's request for bard, Kezzem begins to tell a tale.
"A long time ago, on a continent far, far away..."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Tuesday August 2nd, 2016 2:22:45 PM
"Yeah, well, lets not forget how close I came to burning it all for him," Pressi replied.
It had been a long ride back, and she had been unsettled by the surety that the rest of the group had about the townspeople - out of naivete, fear or the inability to see nuance in any activity. Or perhaps that was her. Having been smacked around by her own attitude made her wonder about some of her other times of surety.
She did miss Cameron in times like this. She wondered what things he would say about this that she would then argue against.
She does greet the people in the next town, and wonders just how fast rumor travels.
Bliss is glad to be going home, and pays little attention to the goblin folk on the ground. Instead, he is Enlarging Mookie and flying.
"This is great, Mookie old pal," he says, "but I want to fly with my own wings!"
"Sure thing, Kid," sighs Mookie.
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Hyperdrive shopping spree Tuesday August 2nd, 2016 8:01:41 PM
"Just a thought on that, Kezzem. Mayor Hammish and the townspeople who showed up heard the story about what went on inside, and the, perhaps, more fully-revealed character of the taxidermist. I myself asked the mayor to consider putting the lot to the flames.
"Pressi - I'd understand it totally had you burned the place down - but, as Cameron pointed out, we still had a few things to take care of first.
"Anyway, that the Mayor did so with dispatch could - in fact did - rouse suspicions among some of us as to his motives. Did he do so out of fear of discovery? Perhaps so. With the papers we were able to recover, that is not evident. Nonetheless, maybe you were right. We already know from what others told us that those two seemed to get on well enough. Possibly, though, he realized, after hearing what we reported, that his city needed to be cleansed of the foul business of Uthvas. If there was a book of Ultimate Evil there, and it was burned, then, frankly, I am fine with that."
He pauses a moment, then adds, "On the third hand - I don't think I ever want to live in Bright Springs."
Later he laughs as Kezzem launches into a story. He asks, "Um, do plumbers figure into this tale at all?"
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 Tuesday August 2nd, 2016 9:29:53 PM
Alleah decides note to bring up the topic of the notes, or the contents she was able to briefly glean, in front of Nywald or anyone from this village. They had already risked enough by harboring the party in the past. She doesn't want to draw them into any "Evil". "Let's keep our find to ourselves" she whispers to those nearby "It's not really a pleasant topic to discuss. Best keep moods high"
She puts on a happy face and waves as the party approach the town.
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Tuesday August 2nd, 2016 9:38:59 PM
Shel didn't hear the discussion about the book of evil, and she was quite glad she didn't. She waved to the townsfolk as the group drove their carts to the town. It seemed early in the day to take a break as they still had a long way to go to get home, and she wasn't sure if a delay would have an effect on the sleeping wizards or not. She went along wi the plan, hoping the break would be quick, at least.
Dm Shawn - Burning down the house.... Wednesday August 3rd, 2016 12:42:27 AM
The village is a little taken back the giant shows up, but some kind words make things easier.
The pig is butchered, cleaned and spit roasted over a fire. Some side food is prepared and the ale begins to flow.
For one night there is no gnolls, or golems or necromancers. Just friends ands close allies, ale, food and good times.
Nyland, Gallia and the babies are good. Looking better then the last time you saw them.
The night goes on, but the fun doesnt stop.
If anyone wants to do anything in particular, post it, otherwise this will be a quick one.
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - A feast, and - which road? Wednesday August 3rd, 2016 2:52:31 AM
Murphy asks Jindrak if he is hungry enough to have a roasted goat this evening, along with a small portion of pig (because, there's a whole village to feed, eh?). If so, he makes certain that Morsel is also prepared for the hill giant.
As people are gathered around the feast, Murphy, enjoying some medium-well done ham, along with crackled fat, and other goodies, asks some of those who have a decent knowledge outside the village about anything the party should know should they choose to go through Dourscale. "The Red Hills have their share of challenges. The old Teucri roads are still said to be mostly in good shape, and help speed travel. We're wondering whether heading back the way we came, or taking the low road from Dourscale northward might be the better choice. We're open to your counsel." He looks across to Alleah. "Or you could flip a coin, eh?" he teases her a bit - but he also does not gainsay her decision-making process. He also asks the others - Bliss, Kezzem, Pressi, Shel - and Mookie - their thoughts. Back the way we came, or another road?
He sits next to Pressi for a while. He takes her hand. "Pressi, thank you for caring. How it all works, I don't understand, but I could see the things you did after Uthvas' stopped my breathing." He pauses, just looking at her for a moment. He gently releases her hand with a squeeze, and talks, looking up at the stars. "I know you carry many things deep within you. It will take time for you to unfold them, if you choose to do so. But I want to know you better. To hear your stories. Whichever way we travel next, tell me a little more each day, if it please you."
Before retiring for the evening, Murphy says, "Though they sleep, we ought to attend to our friends - give them water each day. I don't know if we can get them to eat proper, but maybe some juices would help sustain them. Who would like to help them tonight?"
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - A feast, and - which road? Wednesday August 3rd, 2016 2:55:39 AM
Sorry - one more thing. Murphy took a little time along the road to jot notes, and he writes more fully as the meal is cooking about events of the past few days. Someone else can handle treasure apportionment. He doesn't even know everything we picked up.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste Wednesday August 3rd, 2016 10:21:59 AM
Later he laughs as Kezzem launches into a story. He asks, "Um, do plumbers figure into this tale at all?"
"No plumbers, Murph, but is does have a garbage monster," says Kezzem.
Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) Wednesday August 3rd, 2016 10:51:01 AM
That night, in private, after Bliss is asleep under a cauldron, Mookie wants a look at the notes that mention the evil book, and he looks at the book Bliss found in Uthvas's house.
"I remember when the Boss found an evil book back in Dirt City," he recalls, stretching his brain back many years. "It was bound in human skin. Cam shoulda detected evil on it. He was a paladin right? Or was that Carver ... " The old bird shakes his head to knock his memories into place.
"Can anyone tell if this book is EVIL evil? Hey, Murph, you're a druid, you would know if leather was made from people, right? Check out the cover on this book, just in case."
"Either way, we should probably touch this delightful tome as little as possible. Keep it locked away, and watch it. The book we found back in Dirt City got took by the Prince at the time, and he ended up nutso. Nutso and way evil."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Wednesday August 3rd, 2016 4:11:49 PM
Pressi smiled as Murphy took her hand, snuggling closer as they looked up to the stars.
"I do want to open up to you. Tell you more about what I've seen. Tell you what happened back there. Eventually.
"For now, I just want to sit back, forget what happened back there... and just enjoy the view."
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - A feast, and - which road? Wednesday August 3rd, 2016 4:17:51 PM
"Uh, hi Mookie," Murphy rubs his eyes. "Leather from people?" The druid shakes his head, trying to clear his thoughts. "Well, in Koshe Marr there was that lampshade that looked to be made from human skin, yeah." He speaks very softly. "Now, to your question - we read about Uthvas' comments on the book. But - we don't actually have it with us, do we? Because, if so, we need to destroy it. I do not even want to open it."
Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) Wednesday August 3rd, 2016 4:57:23 PM
(illegal short extra post, hope that's okay)
Mookie whispers back, "We GOT some book from that house, the Kid found it. But is it the SAME book??"
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - A feast, and - which road? d20+22=28 ; Wednesday August 3rd, 2016 8:18:08 PM
(illegal multi-post conversation continued)
"Ah - well, I'll take a look, then, at least at the cover - and title, if any. Not gonna open it until circumstances are auspicious."
Murphy does give the book a cursory once-over - but he pulls out a couple of sacks so his skin does not touch the book physically - the sacks he double folds (so, 4 fabric thickness), and holds the book that way. Looks at front, back, binding (outside), and edges. [Perception: 28]
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Wednesday August 3rd, 2016 8:27:28 PM
Shel enjoyed the evening as much as possible with her friends. She had the best meal she had eaten in quite some time. The roasted animals were much better than trail rations, that much was very true. When the morning came, however, she was quite ready to get back on the road and to get the Wizards back to the Ford.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 d20+7=25 ; d20+3=7 ; Wednesday August 3rd, 2016 9:23:26 PM "Nah, let's just head back the way we came. We know the roads and we know the time it will take. There shouldn't be anything unexpected along the way." she responds to Murphy.
When the party are alone, Alleah produces the papers she was able to retrieve from the fire. "The gnoll woman was very insistant that I save these papers, but wouldn't say so to anyone else. I'm very intrigued now..." She casts Comprehend Languages to help.
As to the topic of the evil book "IF that book is the same one described here, then just in case, can we not open it until we're away from here? I've heard tell of books that summon creatures before, and the last thing we want to do is summon some evil spirit into a town that has done nothing but help us" she pauses to look around "But absolutely inspect the outside of it"
She considers making a joke about judging it by its cover, but thinks better of it.
------------------- Knowl check to understand the notes: 27 if Knowl Arcana or Knowl Nature, 25 if any other Int check to understand the notes: 7. It must've been a long day :)
Dm Shawn - Burning down the house.... Thursday August 4th, 2016 3:07:03 AM
Murphy sets up the food preparations and makes sure the giant is fed. When the book comes into disucssion he covers his hands with cloth and opens it expecting to release hell on the wold. Instead he finds it to be a combo of a diary and spellbook.
Pressi wants to relax and forget about the troubles for now.
Shel was content with the food.. but wanted to be back.
Alleah finishes going through the papers and comes across MUCH information..
Uthvas has been supporting Hammish and the town.
The 8’ tall guard at the front gate is actually a flesh golem under Hammish’s control.
Uthvas sells his flesh golems to wealthy buyers, usually mages.
There is reference to an evil artifact called The Book of All Evil. It is or was in the possession of Marteaus, one of the Gods of Testing. It is currently kept near someplace called Mount Bone.
Uthvas had found alternate ways to create flesh golems without all the requisite spells, though these notes do not provide enough info to replicate this process. Some of this information has been revealed to him by Marteaus in dreams and sendings
Uthvas has created a machine that allows you to extract the essence of a person. There are extensive drawings of this machine.
Knowledge of this machine came from the Book of All Evil provided in dreams by Marteus.
Uthvas placed a giant on this machine, and attempted to extract something called “Giant Essence”
Uthvas believed his machine could extract the essence of an arcane caster, that if injected, could give the recipient the ability to cast arcane spells for a time.
Attempts to capture any essence from an arcane caster have been futile - it seems to disappear as soon as it’s produced by the machine. Uthvas continues to work on this.
The process of extracting the essence of someone eventually drives them insane, and the more intelligent the creature, the sooner they go insane.
Bliss wasnt sure if they had the book, but they had a book.
The rest of the night goes by uneventful.. and in the morning the Sword is sent off with goodbyes and waves from the villagers.
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - A feast, and - which road? d20+22=31 ; d20+7=17 ; Thursday August 4th, 2016 3:35:29 AM
Murphy says, "Uh, I didn't mean to open it, Alleah. Really. It just kind of... fell open when I was looking at one edge. Probably should have ... hey, look - it's a journal. Doesn't look like an ultimate evil book, anyhow. Is that a spell? And - look at this drawing. Uh-oh. Remember when we were heading north through Izen? Bone Mountain. We passed a few miles from it. We might end up having to go there. You remember it, right, Mookie? At least, we might want to make a confidential report to the WLA."
Suddenly the druid comes to his senses and stops commenting out loud. He does say to Alleah. "Check it out yourself. This isn't the book we feared, but it sure tells us some things to beware of. Let's wait until we're on the road again before we talk about it further." Then, he kicks himself. Really. Once they are well under way, as they break for lunch, perhaps, he brings it up before the whole group, and relates what they discovered also asking Alleah and Mookie for their insights as to what they've seen.
He waves farewell to the villagers. Just before leaving, he casts the growth-enhancing version of plant growth, helping to ensure better harvests for them over the next year.
He himself attends to Veseley and Tiana, giving them sips of juice and water. "Now, listen. Yesterday I asked if someone would attend to our wizards. Who will make certain they are comfortable, get something to drink, and are cared for during our trip?"
"AND - which one of you is going to step forward and help us figure out the treasure division? Nobody seems to want a leader of this group, but am I the only one who sees what needs to be done around here?" - thus likely not ingratiating himself to his friends, and not really advancing his own case for the necessity of leadership, and not being entirely fair in his complaint. For some reason, he is feeling cranky at the moment, though.
[General perception check for now: 31. Animal handling, in case something arises out of the ordinary for the mounts: 17]
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste Thursday August 4th, 2016 9:31:48 AM
"So...Uthvas was supporting the town, and Hamfist was in control of the taxizombie thing out front," says Kezzem. "Not sure how damning that evidence is, but it sounds like he may have been taken bribes from Uthvas to leave him alone."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Thursday August 4th, 2016 11:09:49 AM
Pressi takes a first stab at the loot list, and asks for changes.
Goblins Cloak of resistance +1 Ring of protection +1 Metamagic rod of silent spell Gold?
Gnolls Wand of CMW (given to Alleah?) Masterwork breastplate Marteus Amulet of Natural Armor +2 (given to Bliss) +1 Great axe Belt of giant strength +2
Uthvas Home
Injectible potions 2 cmw 1 displacement 1 invisibility Robe of blending Masterwork dagger Amulet of natural armor +3 Belt of mighty con +2 Cloak of resistance +2 Goggles of night Headband vast int +2 Crystal for magic jar (100 gp worth) Scroll Leather cloak Spoon Adamantine dagger Adamantine short sword spellbook 15,000 gp
Hammish
Bunch of almost burnt papers
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Thursday August 4th, 2016 7:56:04 PM "Well, I suppose I could use the metamagic rod of silent spell, but I can already make most of my spells silent, if I want to, so maybe someone else should take it instead. I have a cloak of resistance, but it's not as good as the one we found, so maybe I could take the new one and give someone my current cloak?". Shel looked at the items closely, but none of them seemed quite the right fit for her abilities."[/b]
Are we close to hitting 8th level yet?
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Thursday August 4th, 2016 8:03:27 PM I assume when we finish the module. In fact, I've already started working on the new sheet.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 Thursday August 4th, 2016 8:54:17 PM
Alleah shakes her head "Attend to our wizards? They're not children nor invalids, Murphy. We've done what we can to treat their ailments. We are in a nice, safe village with plenty to eat and drink. If they need something, they only have to ask - or help themselves. If you wish to wait on them hand and foot, I won't stop you"
As for being "the only one that sees what needs to be done around here", Alleah just sighs and lets Murphy has his rant. Probably some built up stress over being killed yesterday.
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - A feast, and - which road? Thursday August 4th, 2016 9:36:19 PM
"They are sleeping, until Humble's Ford, Alleah. How can they ask for help?" Murphy asks, double checking Veseley and Tiana to make sure they hadn't somehow gotten up and started walking around when he wasn't watching.
Alleah may or may not recall that Gargul told the group the wizards would sleep until they were returned to HF. [And, yeah, Murphy did overstate those other things. Sorry for his rant, but that's what he said.]
Mookie is relieved to hear that the book Bliss found is a journal and not the TOME OF EVIL. However, when he hears that it is located near Mount Bone, he shakes his head. "I'm sure it's the same book," he says. "Dirt City is just a quick march south across an old battlefield from Mount Bone."
=====
The next day, Bliss is eager to fly some more. But Mookie urges him to look over the loot instead.
Bliss nods, casts guidance and detect magic, and does his best to figure out what is what.
Spellcraft checks ... 18, 13, 15, 12, 13, 25, 23. "How many things need to be checked?" he asks.
[OOC: I'm confused about leveling. Have we been awarded experience points? The last I award I have recorded was from back in January. Also, have we been awarded hero points? Sorry to be confused.]
Dm Shawn - Almost Home Friday August 5th, 2016 1:56:06 AM
Ooc: I, for some reason misplaced the email... so take the XP to level to 8.
The final good byes are said and away go the sword. They decided to take the same way back they came and for the most part it is smooth sailing. The weather seems nice for this time of the year, the flowers fully bloom, bugs and small birds skiiter scatter around everywhere.
The only evidence of enemies is a quick spotting of a small goblin war party, but if the halflings looked like easy prey, that all went away with a hill giant bouncing around behind them. For once a goblin made a smart decision and turned aroubd to live another day.
Finally, when only a few hours outside of Humbles Ford a voice calls out from the woods.. " Woh... Humble's sword.. " The woods part and a halfling in leather armor comes out. Behind him are two more. The group recalls the first ones name is Botta Birdskipper.. one of the advance scouts from towm. Behind him are two more of the advanced scouts.
Botta smiles as he moves in, but quickly jumps back pulling out his shorts sword...
"GIANT..... " he screams... " What in the wold are you doing with a giant Humble's Sword. "
He doesnt move in, but his face and body launguge shows he is a bit shaken, but reacting honestly.
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Almost Home d20+22=33 ; d20+10=30 ; Friday August 5th, 2016 2:51:05 AM The trip of a week or so Along the way northward, seeing how relatively peaceful things were, he dropped off some of the extra food and supplies in the halfling village a ways back, lightening the carts some. If they were still having problems building a defensive wall, he would have asked the group if it was all right with them if Jindrak helped a bit with placing the timbers for them.
Also traveling northward, he had filled out his journal fairly well, relating all that had happened along the way. He has his own complete journal. He has another version, just focusing on pertinent details, for the Woldian League of Adventurers. And he has a much shorter version to provide to local Humble's Ford authorities. Know your audience, his brother Kendry always said.
Hello to the scouts "Hello Botta Birdskipper and friends - don't worry, this is Jindrak," Murphy says, holding up a hand to forestall any offensive action. "We rescued him, along with some others. He is a friendly giant - you know, like Lomar the Friendly Ogre, over in Hovel." The druid lifts his hand toward the huge bigun, and as he says, "Jindrak, say hello to Botta and his friends," he sweeps his hand in the direction of the scouts.
He looks around at his friends. "We spent the last week or so coming up from the south in the Red Hills." He returns to the scouts. "One of you want to run on ahead, and let the Constable and the Mayor know that Humble's Sword has returned? We'll work our way up to town. Say, can one of you take the reins here - you know how to drive a cart for a bit? The ponies are easy - though sure eager to get home. Hold off before you run off though - hear first whatever my friends have to say."
If one does agree to drive one of the carts, he scoots to the back to look in on Veseley and Tiana. They are almost back in Humble's Ford. He makes sure they are clean and presentable. "Pressi, you want to help me get them out of these bedrolls? Can you brush Tiana's hair? They should wake up some time once we get back to the Ford."
[Perception: 33. Diplomacy with the scouts: 30 (nat 20)]
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste Friday August 5th, 2016 1:39:44 PM
"Please don't mind Jindrak, he's our big friendly giant," says Kezzem. "Our BFG, if you will. The 'F' stands for friendly."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Friday August 5th, 2016 1:47:22 PM
Pressi, having passed her admittedly incomplete notes to Alleah, moved to check on the two wizards. It had been a long journey, but they seemed fine and had most of their limbs still.
She supposed she could make them look a tad more presentable as well.
After the diificulties they faced on their travels, it was somewhat nice to have a quiet trip back. It didn't, however, distract her from what the group had lost or how far they had fallen.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 d20+13=19 ; Friday August 5th, 2016 8:20:10 PM
Alleah tries to get a gut feel about these halflings. Who knows, perhaps they are highway robbers? She smiles politely but doesn't engage with them just yet.
Sense Motive: 19
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 d20+10=14 ; d20+10=13 ; d20+10=28 ; d20+10=23 ; d20+10=12 ; Friday August 5th, 2016 9:39:05 PM
If any gear hasn't been properly identified, Shel takes the time to do that during breaks from her driving the second cart.
OOC: posted Spellcraft rolls above. It will take me a few days to get Shel leveled.
"Hey Botta! We sure are glad to almost be home! How have things been? Any trouble from the big...I mean, any trouble from any source," she asks, looking at Jindrak out of the corner of her eyes.
Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) Friday August 5th, 2016 10:04:05 PM
On the trip home, Bliss works with Mookie on his flying, using BS1 every day to take the form of a tiny eagle.
One time, flying and looking down on the earth, he watches his own shadow below him. He plays shadow tag with Mookie's shadow. And he then he notices a third shadow flying next to his own and Mookie's -- also playing with the other two.
Bliss seems to have found his Shadow Companion!
Over the trip home, he gets to know his new pal, and chats with him and introduces him to all his friends ... his oldest friend still in the group first.
"Miss Alleah, this is my new friend ... um ... uh ..."
He whispers to the shadow, "What's your name?"
"got none"
Bliss turns back to Alleah as inspiration strikes.
"This is Pookie!"
Mookie falls off a branch. "oh no," the bird gasps.
Bliss looks very pleased with himself.
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim) Saturday August 6th, 2016 12:10:41 AM
Bliss is such a good kid.
Dm Shawn - Almost Home Saturday August 6th, 2016 12:54:38 AM
"That don't mean nothing to us Murphy.. the giants are grouping in mass. Hill, Stone.. hell Jerol Grimgut said he saw some fire and frost when he was scouting. And then you come strolling in with a hilly in tow."
He snaps his finger and one of the other halflings moves up as Botta whispers in his ear. He reaches into his haversack and quoffs a potion. He then turns and begins running towards Humbles faster then any halfling should run.
" I don't know if you guys and gals are dumb or just dense. Since when has Humbles welcomed Giants... even if you do know their name. "
Alleah feels like they are honest. Theyre not robbers as she has seen Botta a few times going out scouting.
Pressi cleans up the two comatosed halflings.
Bliss finally finds his shadow companion... adding another friend.
Ooc: Gerald, I thought everything was identified but ill go back through and email everyone
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim) Saturday August 6th, 2016 2:01:43 AM
"They are gathering now, eh? Well, I assume you're talking about massing from the north, from the Scab, right?"
"Since when? Since Lomar came about, oh, seven years ago or so? Don't you ever get to Hovel, Botta? Yes, a real bigun lives here in the valley. And Jindrak is coming with us. He is here to help us with the northern problem, all right? You think we're dumb or dense, really?
"Now, what did you just whisper to that fella? You send the wrong message, and YOU are causing problems, mate. And we don't have TIME for problems." He hops down from the cart and walks up to Botta. "Now, what did you tell him? And where is he going? If you think we are enemies, mate, you may need reassignment. We're here to help the valley, and we have the solution for the north with us. Not just Jindrak."
Murphy rarely gets mad at fellow halflings, but his ears are burning red at the moment. And he is standing about three feet from the scout. His hands are at his side, he is not threatening him physically, but Botha, if perceptive at all, will get the idea that he has really ticked off the druid with his comments. If the halfling's sword is still out, Murphy pays it no mind. His eyes bore into those of Mister Birdskipper.
He takes a deep breath, and very quietly says, under tight control, and deliberately, "If you want to be a hero of Crescent Valley, you will help us get these people as quickly as possible to Humble's Ford. All of these people. Understand? We bring the Second Dinner Club."
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 d20+6=9 ; Sunday August 7th, 2016 2:52:18 AM
Alleah looks to Bliss' shadow with a confused look. Perhaps the little guy had taken one too many blows to the head? "It's nice to meet you... Pookie"
As to the 'greeting' by the halfling ahead of the party "Now now, we're all friends here. Let's just relax a moment."
She turns to Jindrak "It's true. Giants have terrorised Humble's Ford for many many years. More than I can recall. It might be best if you were to wait here on the outskirts of the town until we explain the situation to them. Tell you what, what's your favorite meal? If we can find it in town I promise to bring some back to you". Halfling fear of giants was practically ingrained from birth. Even if the party could convince one scout to let them pass, the rest of the town might likely attack before the situation could be explained. "Huh. Who'd have thought I'd end up defending a giant from halflings" she grins.
As to the halfling scout "Master Birdskipper. Please. You know us to be friends of Humble's Ford. We would never do anything to intentionally cause fear or harm. Ride with us to the town and we can speak along the way. We have much to tell. If our friend Jindrak was to remain here of his free will, then I trust no harm would come to him"
------------------------- Diplomacy: 9. Ouch
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 d20+5=19 ; Monday August 8th, 2016 10:12:50 AM
"Ok, look, we are all a little bit on the testy side, but you can clearly see that we also brought you the second dinner club and lots of information. So we will play it your way, but you can at least listen to what we have to say."
Diplomacy 19.
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Monday August 8th, 2016 6:16:48 PM "We've done quite a bit for this town over the last year or so. I'd think we've earned a bit of goodwill and trust from everyone. If we say the giant is a friendly sort, I'd hoped we've earned the opportunity to when that we have made the correct decision."
" I don't know if you guys and gals are dumb or just dense. Since when has Humbles welcomed Giants... even if you do know their name. "
"Hey mister!" calls Bliss. "Down here!"
"Really, it is okay! This giant fellow is a friend. He even carried our couch. You got no reason to be mean or anything!"
Diplomacy (untrained) 11.
Dm Shawn - Almost Home Monday August 8th, 2016 10:48:59 PM
" Lomar isnt a giant. Not a hilly. And we arent preparing for an ogre attack. You can claim hes good all you want but your just blowing wind. You can back up too Murphy, I am a delegate of the town and work under that authority.
I said to my man, tell them the Sword just showed up with a giant. Thats it. Now if you want to press the issue, I'll knock you on your bum where you stand. Listen to Alleah.. leave the giant here and head into town on your own. "
Turning to Shel he adds. " Your good will got you here this far. If anyone else showed up with a hilly there would be a bigger problem."
To Pressi.. " That is great and everyone will be happy.. but that doesnt erase the giant you brought in."
He smiles to Bliss... " when nervous about war... I'll be as mean as I want."
Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim) Tuesday August 9th, 2016 1:18:55 AM
Murphy has a thought. He really does not want to fight the guards of the Valley. Alleah seems eager quickly to acquiesce - but Gargul said he should trust his friends - the members of Humble's Sword.
Perhaps there is still room for benefit. He stands for a moment in front of Botta Birdskipper after being asked to step back. His serious face acquires a small grin, then he does step back.
Along the way north, Murphy had told Jindral several things about the valley, the giants from the north, and the towers. Last week, when he offered some pants to Kezzem, he was relieved that he was not taken up on the offer - as the finely made garment had developed some faults. Still, maybe it had a use.
"Jindrak, I have something for you." He jumps up in the cart, and takes a sack full of old things that once had a use. Out of it he pulls the outfit. With a dagger, he cuts it into broad strips. "Let me tie this about your head, Jindrak. It shall be your protection." Turning back to the scout, he says, "Jindrak may help us from outside. Tell your fellow guards, if they see a giant with a gold headband, not to harm him."
"Friend, will you watch out for us?" the druid asks the hill giant after tieing the headband firmly in place. "Keep an eye on what the other giants are doing, and planning? We shall see if after a bit permission may be granted for you to come in. My friends may give you additional ideas now. See what is happening. Come back to this spot as soon as you are able." He also hands him a sack of uneaten travel rations.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 Tuesday August 9th, 2016 3:54:08 AM
Alleah deliberately turns her back to Botta to speak to the rest of the party "We can't change a lifetime worth of prejudiced thinking with just one conversation. Not all halflings are as open minded as we are. It may take some time for them to be convinced that not all giants are out to eat them. Forcing our case now would just create more fear and tension within the town. Let's work within the system. We all calm down a touch and head happily in to town"
She nods and smiles at Murphy's suggestion at giving Jindrak a 'special task'. Hopefully it means he won't feel too excluded or insulted by Botta. "That's a nice touch" she whispers to Murph.
She then turns to face Botta again "As you see, the Humble's Sword are not above the law, and respect rightful authority. We have complied with your requests. May we pass now? As you can see, we have the Second Dinner club with us and they won't be fine until we get them home"
Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) Tuesday August 9th, 2016 7:02:10 AM
"Hey wait you guys! I got a great idea!" Bliss whispers his plan to his friends, so that only they can hear.
"What if we go over that hill, out of sight, disguise our friendly giant as a nice man, and then come around town from the other direction?"
Bliss giggles. "They won't mind if we bring a human-ish person into town, right?"
"Mister Jindrak, you won't mind if I cast a spell on you to make you smaller? Just so that we can visit in town."
He plans to casts Reduce Person on the giant, bringing him down to man-size. He would plan to stay close enough to recast as needed.
"If we had a hat of disguise, it would be perfect," he says. "I really want to get one of those."
Mookie harumphs.
"Oh, yeah, TWO of those," says Bliss. "One for me and one for Mookie."
"That's not why I was harumphing," says Mookie.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 Tuesday August 9th, 2016 10:23:14 AM
"No, Murphy and Alleah are right," Pressi says to Bliss. "As satisfying as it would be to trick this guy - or take out our frustrations of Uthvas upon this guard - we aren't doing Jindrak or the town any favors if we don't let them come to us. Jindrak, this isn't right, but I hope that you can at least be patient with us, even if some of us won't give you that back. We will explain the situation, and I'm sure we can calm everyone down."
Pressi moved towards Botta. "There. You have succeeded in keeping out the big scary clearly injured and need of help being until you learn "what is going on" you big strong burly man you. He won't come in and do something scary like marry your daughter. I don't expect you to put out tea and cookies, but I do expect you to treat him like any other being in need of help. And if you think you can knock me on my bottom, you are certainly welcome to try. Where are our leaders and how do we report to them?"
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste Tuesday August 9th, 2016 10:33:33 AM
"Like the lady said, we got to get these folk home before Second Dinner. They're hungry, man, you want them to starve?"
Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) Tuesday August 9th, 2016 6:40:02 PM
"Second Dinner! I haven't even had First Dinner yet!"
Bliss grins at his own joke.
"Don't worry, Mister Jindrak, we'll bring you some food."
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Tuesday August 9th, 2016 8:26:24 PM
If Jindrak was okay with the suggestion, Shel would not put up further fights. "Be good, Mr. Jindrak. We will be back soon," she has the others translate for her. Shel really wanted to get home to be honest. She had so much to gossip with Alouryn about and her new travels. Making sure the town was safe was very important to her.
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